What is Raynaud’s Phenomenon (Raynaud’s disease)

Raynaud’s Phenomenon is a disease that is caused by involuntary narrowing of blood vessels most commonly in the regions supplying the fingers, toes, ears and tip of the nose. This can cause death of the tissue in those areas due to lack of blood supply. Raynaud’s phenomenon causes distinct colour changes in the affected parts of the body and is usually brought on by certain triggers for example cold and emotional stress. Attacks generally last for minutes to hours and can vary. There are two main forms of Raynaud’s phenomenon are divided into primary and secondary. The primary form of Raynaud’s phenomenon is not associated with other diseases and is generally less severe, whereas the secondary form of Raynaud’s phenomenon is associated with a group of conditions referred to as connective tissue disease and has worse consequences.

Statistics on Raynaud’s Phenomenon (Raynaud’s disease)

Raynaud’s phenomenon can be associated with diseases of the arteries such as Buerger’s disease and atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and systemic Lupus erythematosus. It can also follow repeated trauma, particularly vibrations such as those caused by typing or playing the piano. An overdose of ergot compounds or methysergide may also be a cause of Raynaud’s phenomenon.

When Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs without any underlying disorder, it is then known as Raynaud’s disease. This is a common disease affecting 5% of the population and occurring predominantly in young women.

Progression of Raynaud’s Phenomenon (Raynaud’s disease)

Over 90% of patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon are female and, at the time of presentation, are often aged under 25. Up to 5% of patients initially presenting with only symptoms of Raynaud’s eventually develop an autoimmune rheumatic disease.

Prognosis of Raynaud’s Phenomenon (Raynaud’s disease)

The outcome varies depending on the cause and the severity of the phenomenon and whether it has been associated with another disease.

How is Raynaud’s Phenomenon (Raynaud’s disease) Treated?

Conservative treatment

This consists of the doctor providing advice with regard to avoiding precipitants. These include keeping the extremities warm, reducing emotional stress and avoiding drugs such as nicotine and other drugs that can cause narrowing of the blood vessels. They may also tell you that you can prevent an attack from progressing by placing your hands in warm water.

Medications

The medications that are used are calcium channel blockers e.g. nifedipine, alpha blockers e.g. Prazosin, and other drugs like fluoxetine and losartan. Medications are generally used only after conservative treatment fails.

Other therapies

Some surgical techniques can be used if ulceration of the fingers is a major problem.